Arsenal and Chelsea receive hammer blow as transfer target snubs both clubs with 'repay' claim

Arsenal and Chelsea have both been heavily linked with a move for Brentford forward Ivan Toney in the January transfer window - however, in a recent interview, the former Newcastle United academy product indicated that he wants to stay at his current club to 'repay' them.

Toney has spent the last eight months out of action as he continues to serve a lengthy ban for breaching betting regulations. He is set to make his return on January 20, as Brentford take on Nottingham Forest - his ban is due to expire on January 17. This would seem to open the door for clubs to swoop in and secure his services - but currently, he seems to be averse to the idea, which means Arsenal and Chelsea will need to look elsewhere.

What did Ivan Toney say in the interview?

Speaking to Sky Sports, Toney said: "Even when I wasn't at their games, they were singing my name. And I got loads of messages on social media. A friend of mine sent me a video of the fans singing my name, I got goosebumps to know that they're still behind me, even though I'm not there.

"Everyone knows Brentford is a family club, they have been nothing but amazing for me. I can't thank them enough, especially the fans. They were behind me from the first minute as well. So it's kind of like I have a lot to repay.

"With Brentford, they're struggling at the moment but I'm sure when I'm back I will play a big part to get them out of the losing form they've been in. I can't wait to get back and be helping my team-mates Everybody at Brentford knows I will do my best to try and get the club out of the sticky patch we're in."